Jeremiah 33:9

KJV

And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be to me a name {H8034} of joy {H8342}, a praise {H8416} and an honour {H8597} before all the nations {H1471} of the earth {H776}, which shall hear {H8085} all the good {H2896} that I do {H6213} unto them: and they shall fear {H6342} and tremble {H7264} for all the goodness {H2896} and for all the prosperity {H7965} that I procure {H6213} unto it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the name of this city will bring me joy, praise and glory before all the nations of the earth that hear about all the good I am doing for them; they will be overcome with fear and trembling at all the good and peace I am securing for it."

Berean Standard Bible

So this city will bring Me renown, joy, praise, and glory before all the nations of the earth, who will hear of all the good I do for it. They will tremble in awe because of all the goodness and prosperity that I will provide for it.

American Standard Version

And this city shall be to me for a name of joy, for a praise and for a glory, before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them, and shall fear and tremble for all the good and for all the peace that I procure unto it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 33:9 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering commitment to restore Judah and Jerusalem, transforming their desolation into a testimony of divine glory. Amidst prophecies of impending judgment and exile, this verse shines as a beacon of hope, revealing that God's future acts of goodness and prosperity toward His people will so profoundly impact the world that all nations will witness His power and character, leading them to revere and stand in awe of Him. It underscores that God's redemptive work is not only for the benefit of His chosen people but ultimately for the magnification of His own name before a watching world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 33:9 is nestled within the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 30-33) in the prophetic book of Jeremiah. This section stands in stark contrast to the preceding chapters, which are replete with pronouncements of severe judgment, impending destruction, and the Babylonian exile. While Jerusalem was under siege and the nation faced its darkest hour, God interjects powerful messages of future hope, restoration, and covenant faithfulness. Chapter 33, in particular, opens with God reaffirming His ability to do "great and unsearchable things" ([Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - God's Promise of Revelation")), promising the healing and rebuilding of Jerusalem ([Jeremiah 33:6-8](/jeremiah/33-6 "Jeremiah 33:6-8 - Healing and Forgiveness for Jerusalem")), and establishing an everlasting covenant with David's line and the Levitical priesthood ([Jeremiah 33:14-26](/jeremiah/33-14 "Jeremiah 33:14-26 - The Davidic and Levitical Covenants")). Verse 9, therefore, serves as a powerful summary of the ultimate purpose and outcome of this promised restoration: God's glory among the nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy, Judah was in a state of political and spiritual decline, facing imminent destruction by the Babylonian Empire. King Zedekiah was on the throne, Jerusalem was under siege, and the first wave of exiles had already been taken to Babylon. The people were experiencing the consequences of generations of idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Culturally, the concept of a nation's deity being judged by its people's fate was prevalent; a defeated nation often implied a defeated god. Thus, Judah's impending exile and the destruction of Jerusalem would be seen by surrounding nations as a sign of Yahweh's weakness. Jeremiah 33:9 directly counters this perception, asserting that God's future restoration of His people will demonstrate His supreme power and goodness, turning what appeared to be His defeat into a global display of His glory, thereby eliciting awe and reverence from the very nations that might have previously scorned Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Restoration**, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to bring His people back from exile, not just physically but spiritually, cleansing them from their iniquity ([Jeremiah 33:8](/jeremiah/33-8 "Jeremiah 33:8 - Cleansing from Iniquity")). Secondly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **God's Glory and Reputation**. The restoration of Judah is not solely for their benefit but primarily for God's renown; it will be "a name of joy, a praise and an honour" to Him, vindicating His character and power before the world. Thirdly, it underscores the **Witness to the Nations** theme, a recurring motif in Old Testament prophecy. God's redemptive work among Israel is intended to be a beacon, drawing the attention of "all the nations of the earth" and leading them to acknowledge His sovereignty and goodness, causing them to "fear and tremble" in reverential awe. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Comprehensive Well-being and Prosperity**, promising not just physical return but a holistic flourishing encompassing peace, security, and spiritual abundance, all procured by God's own hand.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** (H8034) This word signifies more than just an appellation; it embodies honor, authority, and character. When Jerusalem becomes a "name of joy, a praise and an honour" for God, it means that the very character and reputation of God will be magnified and celebrated through the restored city and people. Their transformed state will be a living testament to His identity and power.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** (H2896) This term is rich in meaning, encompassing moral good, favor, blessing, well-being, and beauty. In this context, it refers to the comprehensive and beneficial acts God performs for His people. It's not merely about material blessings but a holistic goodness that touches every aspect of their existence, making them a visible demonstration of God's benevolent nature.
* **prosperity (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** (H7965) More than just the absence of conflict, *shalom* denotes completeness, wholeness, peace, security, welfare, and flourishing in every aspect of life – physical, spiritual, and communal. God's promise of *shalom* here signifies a state of comprehensive well-being and flourishing that He will actively "procure" for His restored people, making their peace and abundance a marvel to the nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine perspective and purpose of the restoration. The "it" refers to the restored Jerusalem and Judah. Their renewal will not merely be for their own comfort but will redound to God's glory. They will become a living monument to His character, evoking "joy" (delight in His acts), "praise" (acknowledgment of His greatness), and "honour" (reverence for His majesty) directed towards Him.
* **"before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them":** This clause expands the scope of God's redemptive work beyond Israel to a global audience. The restoration will be a public spectacle, witnessed by "all the nations." The emphasis is on their hearing and perceiving "all the good" that God performs. This implies a visible, undeniable demonstration of divine favor and power that will capture the world's attention, serving as a powerful testimony to God's unique sovereignty and benevolence.
* **"and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.":** The ultimate response of the nations is described as "fear and tremble." This is not necessarily a terror-filled dread but a profound, reverential awe and astonishment. It is a recognition of God's immense power and His capacity to bring about such comprehensive "goodness" (*ṭôwb*) and "prosperity" (*shâlôwm*) even after severe judgment. The nations will be moved to acknowledge the might and faithfulness of the God of Israel, who actively "procures" (brings about, accomplishes) such blessings for His people.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 33:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of hope and divine glory. **Personification** is evident as Jerusalem/Judah is figuratively depicted as becoming a "name of joy, a praise and an honour" to God, suggesting that the city itself, through its restored state, will embody and declare God's character. **Hyperbole** is used in the phrase "all the nations of the earth," emphasizing the universal and undeniable impact of God's future actions, signifying that the renown of His goodness will spread far and wide. There is a strong **Contrast** between the immediate reality of siege and desolation and the glorious future promised, highlighting God's power to reverse fortunes and bring life from death. Finally, the repeated emphasis on "I do" and "I procure" underscores **Divine Agency**, portraying God as the active, sovereign initiator and fulfiller of these magnificent promises, reinforcing His faithfulness and omnipotence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 33:9 is a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate purpose to glorify His own name through His redemptive work. It reveals that God's dealings with Israel are never solely for their benefit, but serve as a public demonstration of His character, power, and goodness to the entire world. The restoration of Judah, from a state of judgment and desolation to one of joy, praise, honor, and prosperity, functions as a living sermon to the nations. This passage highlights the eschatological hope that God's kingdom will ultimately encompass all peoples, and that His glory will be universally acknowledged, not through conquest, but through the compelling display of His goodness towards His chosen people. It foreshadows a future where the nations, rather than despising Israel, will stand in awe of the God who blesses them so abundantly.

* [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3 - Nations Come to Zion's Light")
* [Zechariah 8:23](/zechariah/8-23 "Zechariah 8:23 - Nations Seek God in Jerusalem")
* [Psalm 126:2](/psalm/126-2 "Psalm 126:2 - Nations Acknowledge God's Great Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 33:9 offers profound encouragement and a vital perspective for believers navigating personal or communal seasons of difficulty and despair. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem bleak, God's ultimate plan is one of restoration, blessing, and the magnification of His glory. Our present struggles are not the final word; God is able to transform our desolation into a testimony of His goodness. This verse challenges us to live in a way that reflects God's transformative power, understanding that when God blesses and restores us—whether individually or as a community—it is not merely for our comfort but to display His character to a watching world. Our lives, marked by His grace and peace, can become a "name of joy, a praise and an honour" to Him, drawing others to "fear and tremble" in reverential awe of the God who does such great things. This calls us to cultivate a hopeful, resilient faith, trusting that God's promises of comprehensive well-being and flourishing will ultimately prevail, making us living witnesses to His faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah 33:9 challenge your perspective on suffering and hardship, especially regarding God's ultimate purposes?**
* **In what ways can your life or your community of faith become "a name of joy, a praise and an honour" to God before others?**
* **What specific "goodness" and "prosperity" (not just material) has God "procured" for you, and how might sharing that testimony bring Him glory among those who don't know Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "fear and tremble" mean in this context? Is it about terror?**

Answer: While "fear and tremble" can sometimes denote terror, in Jeremiah 33:9, it primarily signifies a profound sense of awe, reverence, and astonishment. The nations will not necessarily be terrified of God, but rather deeply impressed and humbled by the undeniable display of His power, goodness, and faithfulness in restoring Israel. It's a recognition of His majesty and sovereignty, leading to a reverential respect, similar to the awe inspired by a magnificent wonder or a powerful, benevolent ruler. This is distinct from the fear of judgment, though it acknowledges God's capacity for both. The nations will be moved by the sheer scale of God's "goodness" and "prosperity" towards His people, causing them to acknowledge His unique deity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 33:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promised restoration of Judah and Jerusalem, leading to God's glory among the nations, points forward to the spiritual restoration accomplished through the new covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. The "goodness" and "prosperity" God "procures" for His people are supremely realized in the spiritual blessings of salvation, forgiveness, and peace offered through Christ to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike ([Ephesians 1:3-7](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-7 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The "name of joy, a praise and an honour" that the restored people become for God is now embodied by the Church, the spiritual Israel, composed of believers from "all the nations of the earth" ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation Worships")). Through the preaching of the Gospel, the nations "hear all the good" that God has done in Christ ([Romans 10:14-17](/romans/10-14 "Romans 10:14-17 - Hearing the Gospel")). And as the transforming power of the Gospel is witnessed in the lives of believers, the world is indeed moved to "fear and tremble" – not in terror, but in reverent awe and conviction – at the unparalleled goodness and prosperity of the salvation procured by God through His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate "peace" (*shalom*) for all who believe ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 60:5

Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

Psalms 126:2

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

Psalms 126:3

The LORD hath done great things for us; [whereof] we are glad.

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Zephaniah 3:20

At that time will I bring you [again], even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 13:11

For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

Nehemiah 6:16

And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard [thereof], and all the heathen that [were] about us saw [these things], they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.